We know how tiring it is to wash dirty dishes every single day. But that’s what dishwashing machines are for!
If you’re on the hunt for a dishwasher for your home, there are two different options to choose from. First is the standard dishwasher and second is the more modern drawer dishwasher.
To help you decide which dishwasher to get, here’s a breakdown of what makes drawer and standard dishwashing machines unique.
What’s the difference between drawer dishwashers and standard dishwashers?
The main difference between drawer dishwashers and standard dishwashers is their physical design.
Dish drawers look like ordinary kitchen drawers while standard dishwashers have noticeable pull-down covers like baking ovens.
Both dishwashers’ appearances affect their functionality and usability.
To really understand what makes dish drawers different from standard dishwashers, let’s look at their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and Cons of Drawer Dishwashers
Drawer dishwashers have a sleek design that best fits modern households. They’re ideal for fast-paced environments with limited space that are common in many homes today.
To see if dish drawers suit you best, check their pros and cons below.
| Pros | Cons |
| Save more kitchen space | Small height limit |
| Run independent loads | Complicated installation |
| Save energy and water | Tricky calibration |
| Avoid loud noise | Constant repairs and maintenance |
| Match it with your kitchen aesthetics | More expensive |
Pros
Drawer dishwashers are the talk of the town, but are they worth the hype? Check out the advantages of having one below.
Save More Kitchen Space
Drawer dishwashers are pulled open just like regular drawers. This gives you control over how far or wide you can pull it out to avoid it from getting in the way.
You can open it only as far as necessary, enough to put your plates in or get them out. Thus, it’s less space-consuming compared to standard dishwashers with pull-down covers.
A traditional pull-down cover extends and consumes up to 21 inches of space with no option to lessen it. Whether or not you have a small load, you will need to pull a standard dishwasher’s cover fully open to get your plates in and out.
On the other hand. the drawer’s compact design is perfect even for small homes and kitchens.
Run Independent Loads
A drawer dishwasher’s modern design allows you to choose between a single-drawer or a double-drawer dishwasher. These options offer the capability to wash by batch.
For instance, you can wash glasses and silverware in one drawer, while you can put the plates and bowls in the second drawer.
You can also use just one drawer independently if you only have a few dirty dishes to wash. This saves you from running a full load that consumes more time and energy.
Save Energy and Water
Another advanced feature of drawer dishwashers is the built-in energy-saving feature. The best part about this is you can still enjoy full wash power even when consuming less energy.
The ability to run smaller independent loads also means less water consumption.
Avoid Loud Noise
The drain and water pumps of standard dishwashers are usually the culprits behind the machine’s loud noise. Well, this isn’t going to be a problem with drawer dishwashers.
Get to enjoy a peaceful and quiet moment in the kitchen with the drawer dishwasher’s quiet washing feature. It emits only up to 43 – 45dB (decibels) during the cycle.
Its drain and water pumps are also designed to be extremely quiet.
There’s already a lot going on in the kitchen. You really don’t need additional noise from clunky dishwashers.
Match It with Your Kitchen Interior
Drawer dishwashers are undoubtedly more pleasing to look at compared to the traditional design.
Drawer dishwashers can blend in inconspicuously among your other kitchen drawers. They’re sleek and can adapt to your kitchen’s style, color, and theme.
Even when you slide it open, the appliance won’t stand out like a sore thumb because its contents are hidden inside the drawer’s walls.
Cons
See what disadvantages drawer dishwashers have that can make you think twice about getting one.
Small Height Limit
While drawer dishwashers boast of minimal space consumption, this comes with the downside of having a much smaller space that can’t fit giant bowls and plates.
Drawer dishwashers can only fit dishes up to 13 inches in height. If you plan to wash huge trays and punch bowls, you would need to do that with your own hands or use a traditional dishwasher.
Complicated Installation
Because drawer dishwashers are more advanced than standard dishwashers, not many technicians can expertly install them in your home.
You will need to hire a professional, preferably someone from the dishwasher’s company or brand, to install it correctly.
Tricky Calibration
You will need to learn your drawer dishwasher’s new features. You will also need to get acquainted with its settings and wash options.
But don’t worry because you’ll quickly get used to it. After running one or two cycles, you can smoothly operate your drawer dishwasher and customize its wash settings without worries.
Constant Repairs and Maintenance
Drawer dishwashers are fairly new innovations that are continuously being perfected. Thus, the constant need for repairs and maintenance is not surprising.
The good news is that the most recently released dish drawers are sturdier than their previous versions. There are also more technical experts knowledgeable about them in the field, so getting help when you encounter an issue isn’t a problem.
More Expensive
The beauty of drawer dishwashers comes at a high price. After all, you are paying for more advanced technology.
Repair and maintenance costs are also more expensive than when fixing standard dishwashing machines. But in exchange for its price tag, you get a sleek space-saving dish drawer that also saves energy and lessens water consumption.
Simply put, get ready to spend more if you want to enjoy the convenience and other benefits dish drawers bring.
The truth is that drawer dishwashing machines work just as well as the standard ones when it comes to cleaning your dirty dishes. But it can’t be denied that its advanced add-ons, like its independent wash capabilities, are life-savers in busy kitchens.
That doesn’t mean that standard dishwashers can be completely cast aside. Traditional dishwashing machines are still loved and preferred by many for good reason.
We’ll explore those reasons below as we look at the standard dishwasher’s pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Standard Dishwashers
Standard dishwashers best benefit families and big groups of people because of their large size and capacity.
If you think this dishwashing machine will help you more, see its pros and cons below.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wash large-sized plates | Space consuming |
| Operate easily | Only one full cycle available |
| Repair and maintain easily | Noisy wash cycles |
| Buy at a cheaper price | Not aesthetically pleasing |
Pros
What makes standard dishwashers irreplaceable for many? Find out below.
Wash Large-Sized Plates
Because standard dishwashers are big and bulky, they can fit giant plates, bowls, and even food trays inside. The spacious interior lets you wash all your dirty dishes in one cycle.
This is especially perfect if you’re hosting a lot of guests at home. Just throw in all your used plates inside and your standard dishwasher will clean all of it in one go.
Operate Easily
Standard dishwashers have a pretty basic design, making them easy to learn and operate. Unlike drawer dishwashers, a traditional dishwashing machine’s buttons are displayed outside.
This makes it easy for you to access its settings and start button. Even without looking, you can press start and the machine will automatically begin washing your dishes.
Repair and Maintain Easily
Standard dishwashers have been around far longer than dish drawers. Thus, there are many technicians who are knowledgeable about repairing and maintaining standard dishwashing machines.
Unlike with drawer dishwashers, you don’t have to call the machine’s brand or company to find a repairman. If your standard dishwasher breaks, you can quickly find help even from your local appliance repair shops.
Buy at a Cheaper Price
Standard dishwashers are less expensive than drawer dishwashers. This is because they don’t have the extra features and design aesthetics that dish drawers offer.
But if you’re all for functionality and simply want to get the job done, then the standard dishwasher is perfectly reliable. It’s straightforward and will clean all your dirty dishes without having you spend more than necessary.
Cons
What are the downsides of choosing standard dishwashers?
Space Consuming
Standard dishwashing machines consume a lot of space, not just in your cabinet but also on your walkway.
They can be up to 35 inches tall and 25 inches wide, taking up a considerable space that could’ve been allotted for additional cabinets or drawers.
In addition, standard dishwashers have covers that pull down all the way in all its 25-inch glory. If you’re working in a very busy kitchen, opening your standard dishwasher to get or put plates in can interrupt foot traffic.
If you have a tiny kitchen, standard dishwashers are not ideal.
Only One Full Cycle Available
The standard dishwasher can run only one complete cycle at a time. Without the option to have small independent loads, a single cycle with a small load will consume just as much water and energy as a cycle with a full heavy load.
If you’re feeling guilty about running your standard dishwasher with only a few plates to wash, you would either need to wait until your dishes pile up or you can opt for a drawer dishwasher.
Noisy Wash Cycles
The standard dishwasher’s water and drain pumps are loud when they’re in use. While not as boisterously loud as the pumps, the machine also makes noise during the wash cycle.
If you don’t mind having some background noise while you do your chores, you’ll have no problem with standard dishwashers. Otherwise, you’ll need to reconsider your choices.
Not Aesthetically Pleasing
A standard dishwasher is going to stick out like a sore thumb in your kitchen, especially if you have a themed space.
Its traditional design looks very industrial and bulky, which can ruin your aesthetics. It’s also hard to hide it with a towel or cloth because of its large size.
Here’s the big question: Which dishwasher is best for you?
When deciding which dishwasher to get, ask yourself these important questions:
- How much is my budget?
- How big is my kitchen space?
- How many dishes do I need to wash daily?
Ultimately, a standard dishwasher meets all the basic requirements and functionality expected from an automatic dishwashing machine. If you’re not too picky, you can settle for the standard one.
But if you have an extra budget and are willing to invest in better technology despite the additional costs, the drawer dishwasher is definitely worth it.
The Best Drawer Dishwashers
To get you started on which drawer dishwasher to get, we’ve listed down the best dish drawer brands and their specs.
Fisher Paykel DD24SCHTX9N
Starting off with single-drawer dishwashers, this model is perfect for small kitchen spaces or people who don’t really invite a lot of guests over.
It has a simple, basic look that will also blend in any environment.
Summary:
- Size: 23 9/16″ W x 22 9/16″ D (excl. handles) x 16 1/8″ H
- Sound: 45dB
- Wash cycles: 6
- Wash programs: 6
- Material: Stainless steel
Fisher Paykel DD24SCTX9N
If you need a couple more inches to fit in big-sized plates, this single-drawer tall tub dishwasher is a good pick. Its added child lock safety feature makes this dishwasher ideal for big families with children.
Summary:
- Size: 17 ⅞”
- Sound: 44dB
- Wash cycles: 15
- Wash programs: 6
- Material: Stainless steel
Fisher Paykel DD24SI9N
This dishwasher’s wood-like finish will blend in well with your other kitchen drawers. It is equipped with the same functions and reliability as the other drawer dishwashers
Summary:
- Standard size: 23 9/16″ W x 22 9/16″ D (excl. handles) x 16 1/8″ H
- Tall tub height: 17 ⅞”
- Sound: 44dB
- Wash cycles: 6-15
- Wash programs: 6
- Material: Stainless steel
Fisher Paykel DD24DAX9N
Excited to try double-drawer dishwashers? This standard model comes in an ideal size that will fit in any kind of kitchen. Whether you’re living in a traditional house with small kitchen drawers or are in an apartment, you won’t have a problem with this model.
Summary:
- Size: 23 9/16″ W x 22 9/16″ D (excluding the handles) x 32 5/16″-34 5/8″ H (adjustable)
- Sound: 45B
- Wash cycles: 6
- Wash programs: 6
- Plate settings: 14
- Material: Stainless steel
Fisher Paykel DD24DCHTX9N
Water with high mineral content, or hard water, leaves spots on your dishes even after running them relentlessly in your dishwasher. If you’re living somewhere with hard water, the good news is that this model comes with a built-in softener.
This dishwasher can alter your water’s pH levels to make it the perfect and clear water for washing.
Summary:
- Size: 23 9/16″ W x 22 9/16″ D (excluding the handles) x 32 5/16″-34 5/8″ H (adjustable)
- Sound: 45B
- Wash cycles: 6
- Wash programs: 6
- Plate settings: 14
- Material: Stainless steel
Fisher Paykel DD24DI9N
To match your kitchen drawers, this double-drawer dishwasher has a wooden-like skin that makes it blend in with the other cabinets.
Summary:
- 23 9/16″ Width x 22 1/2″ D (Accepts Custom Panel)
- Sound: 46B
- Wash cycles: 9
- Wash programs: 9
- Material: Stainless steel
The Best Standard Dishwashers
If you’re leaning toward the standard dishwasher, we’ve also listed down the best standard dishwashing machine brands and their specs.
Bosch 300 Series SHE53C85N
What you’ll love about this model is that it has a third rack for your utensils. With its flexible loading capacity, you won’t be afraid to host big parties anytime.
Summary:
- 33 7/8” x 23 9/16” x 23 3/4”
- Sound: 46dB
- Wash cycles: 3
- Wash programs: 4
- Material: Stainless steel
Miele G7106
This model gets your dirty dishes clean in no time. If you’re in a hurry, selecting its Express Mode will shorten the wash period.
Summary:
- 23 9/16” W x 22 7/16” H x 33 11/16” D
- Sound: 43dB
- Wash programs: 4
- Material: Stainless steel
LG LDPH7972S
Getting the toughest stains off your soiled dishes in just an hour is considered a feat. The 1-hour wash cycle, designed to remove persistent stains is what sets this model apart from other standard dishwashers.
Summary:
- 23 3/4” W x 33 5/8 H x 24 5/8” D
- Sound: 42dB
- Wash cycles: 10
- Material: Stainless steel
KitchenAid kdpm604kps
This dishwasher makes sure that no space is wasted. It lets you wash your dirty plates and pans in just one loadd.
Summary:
- 23 7/8” W x 33 5/8 H x 24 1/2” D
- Sound: 44dB
- Wash cycles: 5
- Wash programs: 7
- Material: Stainless steel
Picking between a drawer dishwasher vs a standard dishwasher is harder than it seems. There are many options to choose from and factors to consider.
But at the end of the day, it is advisable to pick the one that you’ll be most comfortable using. If you have any doubts, consulting a professional about your purchase is also an option.
